Embracing the New: A Midlife Woman's Secret to Thriving

This winter, a friend invited me to try a new Pilates studio. I jumped into the opportunity as I genuinely enjoy trying new things. Maybe it’s because I grew up as an only child with an adventurous single mom. She was always up for something different—new places, foods, and experiences. That spirit of curiosity rubbed off on me, but I’ve noticed her willingness to explore the unknown has faded as she's gotten older. And it’s made me wonder: does that just happen with age, or do we have a choice?

The instructor shared something fascinating as our Pilates class wrapped up this morning. She’s been interviewing centenarians—those incredible individuals who have lived 100 years or more—and one standard piece of advice keeps coming up: Keep trying new things. The secret to longevity, it seems, isn’t just good genes or luck—it’s the ability to remain engaged with life, to keep learning, stretching, and stepping outside our comfort zones.

Karyn and I have seen this play out time and time again in our work with midlife women. Some live by this principle naturally, but others are hesitant, uncomfortable, and even fearful when faced with the unfamiliar. We see it when they hesitate to eat new food, resist traveling to a foreign country, or shy away from an activity that challenges them. And yet, when they take that leap—whether it’s riding a scooter through the streets of Vietnam, setting off on a solo adventure with a group of strangers, or simply signing up for a class they’ve never tried—something magical happens. Their world expands. The joy, pride, and confidence they gain from stretching themselves and overcoming fear is contagious.

The Science Behind New Experiences and Aging Well

Research overwhelmingly supports the idea that new experiences enhance brain health, emotional well-being, and longevity. Here’s why:

  1. Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Function: Our brains can form new connections well into old age. Learning something new—whether a language, a skill, or an activity—strengthens neural pathways and can even increase brain volume, particularly in regions related to memory and learning.

  2. Memory Retention: Studies have shown that older adults who engage in cognitively challenging, novel activities experience improvements in episodic memory, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.

  3. Emotional Well-Being: Novel experiences bring excitement, curiosity, and a sense of accomplishment. This engagement has been linked to lower rates of depression, greater life satisfaction, and an overall improved mood.

  4. Longevity Benefits: Studies suggest that people who regularly seek out new experiences tend to live longer. Being open to learning and change keeps the body and mind active, contributing to a longer, healthier life.

25 Ways to Try Something New Today

Want to bring more novelty into your life? Here are 25 ideas to get you started:

  1. Try a new fitness class (Pilates, boxing, rock climbing)

  2. Sign up for a dance lesson (ballroom, salsa, belly dancing)

  3. Learn a few phrases in a new language, or take a language class

  4. Cook a dish from a different culture

  5. Take an art or pottery class

  6. Go on a solo day trip to a nearby town you’ve never explored

  7. Join a book club with a genre you don’t usually read

  8. Try cold-water immersion or a new relaxation technique

  9. Learn a musical instrument, or revive playing one from your youth

  10. Learn by heart a poem or short story - or write one yourself

  11. Start a daily journaling or gratitude practice

  12. Rent a bike or scooter and ride through a scenic area

  13. Go on a guided nature walk, bird watching, or foraging tour

  14. Experiment with a new style of clothing

  15. Attend a lecture or TED-style talk or seminar on an unfamiliar topic

  16. Volunteer for a cause outside your comfort zone

  17. Try a new sport (pickleball, golf, stand-up paddleboarding)

  18. Take a spontaneous road trip

  19. Join a local hiking or adventure group

  20. Sleep under the stars or go on a camping trip

  21. Try improv or public speaking for fun

  22. Visit a museum or gallery you wouldn’t usually choose

  23. Say yes to a social invitation you’d usually turn down

  24. Swap routines—change the route you walk, the coffee shop you visit, or the music you listen to

  25. Plan a trip to a destination completely different from anywhere you’ve been before

Embrace the New, Embrace Life

Stepping into the unfamiliar isn’t just about avoiding boredom—it’s about keeping our minds sharp, our spirits lifted, and our bodies strong. If centenarians swear by it if science backs it up, and if we see it transform the lives of women around us, why not embrace it?

Engaging in new activities can bring fresh perspectives and friendships into your life. Expanding your social activities creates unexpected opportunities that benefit both your mind and body, and the meaningful connections you build can uplift your heart and overall well-being.

So, what’s the next new experience you will try? Let’s make midlife the beginning of something incredible.

We’d love to hear about the new experiences you’re embracing! Share your story with us by emailing contact@rumblingsmedia.com or using the hashtag #RumbleToRenew on social media. Let’s create a movement to try new things, find joy and delight in life, and live well while we age well!


References

  1. Boyke, J., Driemeyer, J., Gaser, C., Buchel, C., & May, A. (2008). Training-induced brain structure changes in the elderly. The Journal of Neuroscience, 28(28), 7031-7035.

  2. Park, D. C., Reuter-Lorenz, P. (2009). The adaptive brain: Aging and neurocognitive scaffolding. Annual Review of Psychology, 60, 173-196.

  3. Wilson, R. S., Barnes, L. L., Krueger, K. R., et al. (2005). Early and late life cognitive activity and cognitive systems in old age. Journal of the American Medical Association, 295(7), 682-690.

  4. Akbaraly, T. N., Sabia, S., Hagger-Johnson, G., et al. (2013). Does overall diet in midlife predict future aging phenotypes? A cohort study. The American Journal of Medicine, 126(5), 411-419.

  5. Martin, P., Kelly, N., Kahana, B., Kahana, E., Willcox, B. J., Willcox, D. C., & Poon, L. W. (2015). Defining successful aging: A tangible or elusive concept? The Gerontologist, 55(1), 14-25.

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Reclaim Your Inner Compass: How to Trust Yourself Again in Midlife